How to Make Composite Asian Bows

A composite bow is a bow that is composed of more than one material. Typically, composite bows are constructed of wood, horn and bone. Asian composite bows are quite common and vary greatly in design depending on their region of origin. A simple Asian composite bow can be constructed at home if you have a little time and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Strip of horn, 4 inches wide
  • Electric saw
  • File
  • Metal strips
  • Clamps
  • Large piece of maple, 2 inches wide and 1/4-inch thick
  • Wood glue
  • Small pieces of pine
  • Sandpaper
  • Leather
  • Nylon bow string
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Instructions

    • 1

      Split the strip of horn down the center with the electric saw so that you have two pieces. File each piece down to 1/4-inch thick.

    • 2

      Place metal strips over each strip of horn and use clamps to hold them in place. Tighten the clamps enough to begin to straighten the horn strips but not enough to break or otherwise damage the horn. After several hours, the horn will have softened enough to tighten the clamps further. Continue tightening the clamps until both pieces of horn are as close to straight as possible. Remove the clamps and file the strips of horn down to 1/8-inch thick. Trim the horn pieces so they are the same length. Ideally, they should be 3 1/2 to 4 feet long.

    • 3

      Trim the maple so that it is 1-inch shorter than the horn strips. Place one horn strip on a firm surface and coat the exposed side with glue. Place the maple on top of the horn, perfectly centered horizontally and vertically, and press firmly. Apply glue to the maple and top with the second piece of horn. Clamp and allow to the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 4

      Cut the two ears of the bow out of pine. These should fit exactly on top of the maple and between the horn strips. They'll only be about 1 inch high and 1/4-inch thick. Measure carefully and use the file to ensure a perfect fit. Glue these into place and allow to dry for two or three days to ensure everything is solid.

    • 5

      Use the file to carve two notches, one into each ear of the bow. These notches are the nocks that will hold the bow string. They should be about 1 inch deep.

    • 6

      Round the edges of the bow slightly using the file. Sand the horn, maple and pine smooth with the sandpaper. It is especially important that the maple is smooth to prevent slivers when the bow is in use.

    • 7

      Examine your bow to determine where you want the grip to be. This is mostly determined by personal comfort, so handle the bow before making the decision. Apply wood glue liberally to this area and wrap the grip in leather. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 8

      Tie the nylon bow string to one nock of the bow. Thread the other end of the bow string through the second nock and pull taunt so that the bow has a slight curve to it. There should be enough tension to allow you to fire the bow comfortably and achieve a reasonable distance with the arrow. You may have to experiment with the tension to get it correct. Once you find the right tension for you, secure the bow string in place. Your composite bow is ready for use.